The DAP has lashed out at the proposed "no motorcycle safety zones" planned by the police to combat street crimes, branding it discriminatory and burdensome to motorcyclists.

"Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar's suggestion for ‘no motorbikes zones' does not make sense and is unfair. It is also discriminatory to all motorcyclists," DAP Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San said today.

NONE Lau ( right ) went on to question the police for blaming motorcyclists for the rise in crime.

In an interview with Astro Awani yesterday, Khalid said the police were considering restricting entry of motorcycles into certain zones as a "drastic" measure to tackle increasing crime.

This was the rationale because 90 percent of street crimes were caused by criminals on motorcycles , Khalid said.

Lau said the government was better off building separate lanes for motorcyclists, rather than banning them altogether.

"The government should instead build more motorcycle lanes in the urban areas so that pedestrians will be separated from these.

"Wouldn't that be a more effective method to curb street crimes?" Lau asked.

‘Burden on the poor'

He said more lanes should also be built to separate motorcyclists from pedestrians to reduce the numbers of deaths of motorcyclists.

"When Khalid said several international cities have designated specific areas non-accessible to motorcycles, the question is whether the reasons remain the same?

"He should give a more in-depth explanation before further discourse takes place among other government agencies. If not, it's just going to warrant more criticisms from motorcyclists."

NONE The "safety zones" would also be burdensome to those who relied on motorcycles to make a living.

"Khalid's ( left ) suggestion doesn't make sense as courier and delivery services, as well as postal services, will be hindered. How are documents and courier packages going to be delivered if they are in these ‘safety zones'?" Lau asked.

The move would affect the income of workers and lower-income citizens travelling by motorcycle, which is a cheap and efficient mode of transport.

"Furthermore, workers are restricted by the high cost of living and low wages. It's worse when they can't rely on public transport," Lau added.